MLHS freshman get started

MOSES LAKE — The freshmen sitting through orientation in the Moses Lake High School gym can be forgiven for their skepticism when MLHS teacher Tiffany Janosov started talking about head and shoulders, knees and toes. Janosov and the administrators had something more fun than that old grade school game in mind.

The game did involve heads, shoulders and knees, as well as plastic cups and all-class competition. Freshmen paired off and attempted to grab the cup when Janasov gave the word.

Janosov, co-coordinator for MLHS Associated Student Body, said teachers and administrators decided to rethink the start of the school year.

“This is a full revamp of the first day of school,” she said.

The discombobulation of the COVID-19 pandemic led teachers and administrators to think about ways to reconnect students to school, she said.

“How do we bring back the spirit? Bring back the fun?” Janosov said.

The new orientation schedule is part of the revamping. Freshmen came to school Wednesday morning to meet homeroom teachers and review schedules; sophomore orientation was Wednesday afternoon. Juniors and seniors are on campus Thursday.

“This is the first time in 20 years that we’re welcoming the freshmen like this,” said MLHS teacher Jesus Guerrero. “This is awesome.”

Once a winner in the game was crowned, freshmen were sent to each homeroom teacher and off to review schedules. One of the goals for the new school year is to connect students with subjects that interest them, and to other students with similar interests, Janosov said.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.